Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI in Rawalpindi Set for Tuesday

Previewers expect early swing and evening dew to tilt the contest toward the side that bowls first.

Overview

The series opener is scheduled for November 11 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with a 3:00 pm IST start and coverage on Sony Sports and FanCode.
Reported probable XIs feature Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka.
Pakistan enter with uneven 2025 ODI results but a 2–1 home win over South Africa, while Sri Lanka arrive off two recent 50-over wins against Zimbabwe.
Pitch guidance cites a good batting surface with movement for the new ball and significant dew later, which could encourage the toss winner to field.
Selection notes include Pakistan releasing batter Hasan Nawaz to play domestic cricket, and previews naming Saim Ayub and Wanindu Hasaranga as players to watch, with a prediction that the bowling-first team prevails.